The June bank holiday weekend in Athboy means only one thing. For the past 31 years, the weekend has become synonymous with the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, which brings fun for all ages.

This year, the festival – organised by Meath Macra na Feirme – brings 22 young women from Ireland and abroad to Athboy for a weekend of good ‘‘craic’’ – or as the festival organisers say, “sound girls doing mad things”.

They will leave on bank holiday Monday with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, while one lucky queen will be heading home with the title of Blue Jean Country Queen, as well as €1,000 in prize money from Athboy Credit Union.

The judges for this year’s festival are Samantha Baldwin, the very first Blue Jean Country Queen winner in 1987. Samantha will be joined by Russell Carrington, chair of Rural Youth Europe. Representing the town of Athboy will be James Hesnan, a writer, musician and carpenter who is highly involved with the local community.

Speaking at the launch of the festival in the Causey Farm on 7 May, chair Aiveen Cully-Dunne expressed her gratitude to everyone who helps in the organisation of the festival. “I would like to thank our committee for all their hard work over the last 12 months. We also could not run this festival without the fantastic support of Athboy Credit Union, M&G Groundworks, the Darnley Lodge Hotel, EPM Contracting and councillor David Gilroy, as well as all the local businesses of Athboy who have offered continued support to the festival.” She also noted the graciousness of the town of Athboy, which has hosted the festival since 1987.

It has been a busy year for Meath Macra na Feirme. In October, the county hosted the Macra na Feirme national conference/rally. Meath Macra also took over hosting Macra’s national talent competition. Speaking at the launch, Meath Macra na Feirme chair Alan Beirne said: “The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival still remains the biggest event in our calendar and is a credit to all who work to organise it year in year out.